29 November, 2011

Well, the holiday season is finally here again! And since we had SO much fun last year- sharing images of our homes all decorated for the holidays - let's do it again. For those of you who have been long-time readers, you'll know how MUCH I love decorating for the holidays. The smell of fresh cedar. The feel of pine sap on my fingers. Maybe some holiday music on the stereo.

Don't fret - you'll get to see what I've been doing at the house this year - but, I really want to see what y'all have been up to . . . So, I'm pleased to announce the second annual" Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest! "

There are three categories that you can enter :

1) Christmas Tree ( lights. ornaments. creativity. )

2) Dining Room ( it's one of the best times of the year to entertain. Let's see that dining table! )

3) Fireplace Mantel. ( let your imagination sparkle! )

How to do it:

1) Decorate your home.

2) Take digital photos.

3) Email your images (along with your name and address) to "HolidayContest@SMWDesign.com"

But, don't think it will just be me here - throwing darts at the wall to see who's going to win. Tune in later this week to meet our panel of Celebrity Judges - a collection of designers and bloggers from around the world.

And it's not just for bragging rights - images of the winning entries will be posted here on Tartanscot during Christmas week - and I'll also be announcing our special prizes for the contest later in the week.

Now, for the small print:

THE CONTEST RULES -

CONTEST ENTRIES:

Contest begins on Friday December 2th and ends at 11:59

p.m., E.T. on Saturday December 17, 2011. Winners

will be announced on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

The contest is open to both interior designers and

design enthusiasts who want an opportunity to showcasetheir work in the 'Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest'.

HOW TO ENTER:

Submit clear photographs (up to a maximum of four photos per category)

25 November, 2011

I thought I'd hop on the shopping trend for the day - but, in a way that doesn't involve any parking drama. Or long lines. Or being pepper-sprayed.

So, you're welcome to lounge around the house all day in your pj's - but still take part in the shopping frenzy for a Friday - and thusly, I present some of my favourite design books . . . and a few inspirational spaces where such books could be stored.

23 November, 2011

So. It's Thanksgiving Day. Turkey's in the oven. Stuffing's ready to start. Pecan pies are waiting to be sliced and enjoyed. The guys are in the front yard playing touch-football. Kids are still well behaved. All organized. All ready.

And you have a couple of minutes to sit and relax, maybe read a few blogs before the hectic food frenzy begins. So from me. To you and your entire family.

20 November, 2011

Been playing around in my closet today. Getting everything ready for the new season. Making sure that every glove has its mate. Putting all my heavier coats in the front of the closet. Making decisions about buying new scarves and hats . . .

10 November, 2011

Before we fall headlong into the frantic pace of the holiday season (and I'm including Thanksgiving in that list of holidays!) - I could really use a moment of rest and introspection. I know that personally, I'm still organizing my plans for the next few weeks. What parties am I going to? What parties am I hosting? Can I squeeze a quick trip to NY in there somewhere? And if so, what am I going to pack for such an exciting, last-minute adventure?

So as a flurry of question marks seem to spin about me - there's always the respite - and the solace - of great design and impeccable style.

After 20 or 30 minutes of chatting, touring the showroom, and getting everyone seated and ready - Off we went . . . traveling through from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve in record time.

First, we worked to plan the perfect guest list.

With a couple of good giggles along the way. Nothing makes a better evening than some good ole laughter!

Then Pat McIntosh (of Lulalina) shared her insights and inspirations for making customized invitations.

Then some tips for getting the house ready - as I fashioned a Thanksgiving wreath using one of those sad, plastic wreath-forms as its base.

Success. All the while trying to keep everyone entertained.

Chase from Tonic - working his magic to concoct some amazing custom cocktails . . .

And finally, back to me - sharing my thoughts for creating an exciting menu for your next cocktail party.(I'll be sharing more of my ideas here at Tartanscot over the next few weeks!)

And then it was 'goodnight' to all the assembled guest. With gift-bags. And chocolate.

And a very special 'thank you' to Lisa Davis at Kravet San Francisco. We've been plotting this evening for months - and she's been a great resource - as well as a good sounding board - as the evening came together.

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Welcome to the musings of interior designer/stylist Scot Meacham Wood - living in San Francisco and working on projects across the United States. Following are images that inspire me, events that delight me, and anything that brings a smile to my face.